Manchester United return to the Champions League on Thursday night when Sabah visit Old Trafford.

It has been three seasons since the Red Devils last played in Europe’s biggest club competition. They will be expected to make a strong start against a Sabah side making their Champions League league-phase debut.

Man United have made a mixed start to the new Premier League campaign. They lost 2-0 at Hull before beating Ipswich 5-2, then surrendered a late lead in a 2-2 draw with Everton.

Sabah, meanwhile, have already battled through four qualifying rounds to reach this stage. They also sit top of the Azerbaijani Premier League after three games.

This should be a special night for the visitors. United will be expected to make it a difficult one for them.

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What are the best picks for Manchester United vs Sabah?

Manchester United to win

United are the obvious choice in the match-winner market.

Michael Carrick’s side have not been convincing every week this season, but there is a huge difference in experience and squad quality between these teams.

United also have home advantage and will be desperate to make a positive start to their Champions League campaign.

Sabah deserve plenty of credit for reaching the league phase. They have won six of their eight Champions League matches this season and recently thrashed Zira 5-0.

However, Old Trafford is a different test.

United should have too much quality in the final third and I expect them to take control of the game.

Over 3.5 goals

We are expecting goals at Old Trafford.

United have already shown that they can produce high-scoring games this season. Their first three Premier League matches have produced 15 goals, with seven scored and six conceded.

Sabah have also been involved in some entertaining games during their Champions League journey.

They beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 5-2 after extra time in the second leg of their play-off, while their latest domestic match ended in a 5-0 victory.

United should create plenty of chances, but their defensive record means Sabah could have opportunities of their own.

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Benjamin Sesko to score anytime

Sesko looks a good option in the goalscorer market.

The striker has been gradually building his minutes this season and scored against Everton after coming off the bench.

He is now expected to make his first start against Sabah, with Carrick likely to rotate his side ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

That should give Sesko a good opportunity to make his mark.

United are likely to dominate possession and spend long spells around the Sabah penalty area. If the hosts create the chances we expect, Sesko should have plenty to work with.

Where can I watch Manchester United vs Sabah?

Manchester United vs Sabah kicks off at 8pm BST on Thursday, September 10 at Old Trafford.

UK viewers can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max.

In the US, the match is available on Paramount+.

What have the managers said?

Michael Carrick

Carrick has been looking forward to United’s return to the Champions League and described the competition as “magical”.

He also admitted the schedule is not ideal, with United facing Manchester City less than 72 hours after Thursday’s game.

Valdas Dambrauskas

Sabah boss Dambrauskas has a remarkable connection to the opposition.

He previously worked for Manchester United Soccer Schools before beginning his professional coaching career.

Ahead of the game, he said Sabah would “respect everyone but not be afraid of anyone.”

What is Manchester United’s predicted team?

(4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martínez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko.

Injured: Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo.

Doubtful: Marcus Rashford.

Expect Sesko to start, while Shaw is expected to be rested after missing Wednesday’s training session.

What is Sabah’s predicted team?

(4-2-3-1): Pokatilov; Zedadka, Solvet, Daşdəmirov, Puchacz; Rakhmonaliev, Lepinjica; Simić, Isaev, Parris; Mickels.

Injured: None.

Sabah have a fully fit squad available for their historic trip to Old Trafford.

Score prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Sabah

United should have too much quality for Sabah, particularly at Old Trafford.

The visitors have shown they can score goals during their qualifying campaign, though, and United have not exactly been watertight defensively this season.

We expect the Red Devils to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start, but Sabah could make things interesting.

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